Difference Between Criminal Law and Civil Law

30 April 2019

The United Kingdom has two bodies of law whose purpose is to punish or deter serious crimes or to compensate victims of some wrongdoings: Criminal Law and Civil Law. As a law student, it is imperative for you to understand the distinction between the two for you to choose the right approach to any case. Below is a rundown of the fundamental differences between criminal law and civil law as explained by our law tutors.

Parties Involved

The aim of criminal law is to deter crime and punish offenders. Criminal cases are initiated by the government. Therefore, the main parties to a criminal case are the government prosecutors and the suspects. Some examples of offences handled by criminal law include assault, murder, rape, fraud, and drug dealing among others. On the other hand, civil law seeks to address disputes between private individuals or organisation.

Punishments and Penalties

In criminal cases, the decision of the court is either guilty or not guilty. The punishment can be a jail term or a fine or both. On the other hand, the decision of the civil courts is liable or not liable. When found liable, the offender may be compelled to compensate the victim.

Standard of Proof

The standard of proof in criminal and civil cases differs significantly. For instance, in criminal cases, the standard of proof is “beyond reasonable doubts.” In civil matters, the standard of proof is relatively lower.

The Takeaway

Overall, it is apparent that law can broadly be classified in to two: Civil law and criminal law. The two bodies differ significantly in terms of how cases are initiated, argued, and determined. If you are looking for a reliable law tutor in London to expound on the differences, Advanced Law Tutors is your best bet. Get in touch with us today for the most professional tutoring services.